Appropriate Computing

8/14/2019 Appropriate Computing

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Designing Appropriate ComputingTechnologies for Rural Development

Tapan S. ParikhDepartment of Computer Science & Engineering

University of Washington

Job Talk - Spring 2007


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BusinessBusiness: new opportunities: new opportunities

FinanceFinance: capital to invest: capital to invest

GovernmentGovernment: services & programs: services & programs

HealthHealth: informed, consistent care: informed, consistent care

EducationEducation: personal advancement: personal advancement

3 billion people in the rural3 billion people in the rural developing worlddeveloping world

need the sameneed the same informationinformation we dowe do


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MoneyMone

y: to buy technology: to buy technology

EducationEducation: to use technology: to use technology

InfrastructureInfrastructure: power, connectivity: power, connectivity

TimeTime: lots of available labor: lots of available labor

CommunityCommunit

y: lots of relations: lots of relations

3 billion people in the rural3 billion people in the rural developing worlddeveloping world

have differenthave different limitationslimitations andand capabilitiesca

pabilities

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Understand ContextUnderstand Context

A highly 'embedded' approach to designing,A highly 'embedded' approach to designing,developing and evaluating technologydeveloping and evaluating technology

Build SolutionBuild SolutionCAM: a mobile phone toolkit for distributedCAM: a mobile phone toolkit for distributeddata collection in the rural developing world,data collection in the rural developing world,and several applications using itand several applications using it

Evaluate ResultEvaluate ResultMicrofinanceMicrofinance actively used in India actively used in India

AgricultureA

griculture tested in Guatemala and India tested in Guatemala and India

Supply ChainsSu

pply Chains tested in India tested in India

Overview & Methodology4


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Step 1: Understand

2002-3

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Financial Services to the Poor

Microfinance: Global MovementMicrofinance: Global Movement

Grameen Bank & Muhammad Yunus 2006 Nobel PrizeGrameen Bank & Muhammad Yunus 2006 Nobel Prize

Self-Help Groups (SHGs)Self-Help Groups (SHGs) -- ROSCAs, ASCAs, Village Bank, etc.ROSCAs, ASCAs, Village Bank, etc.

Collect savings during meetingsCollect savings during meetings

Use capital for small loansUse capital for small loans

Business, livestock, education, health care, etc.Business, livestock, education, health care, etc. Repayment based on peer pressureRepayment based on peer pressure

DecentralizeDecentralize financial service provisionfinancial service provision

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Information can bridge the divideInformation can bridge the divide Connect the formal and the informalConnect the formal and the informal

Provide oversight and understanding for SHGsProvide oversight and understanding for SHGs Provide credit ratings and risk analysis for banksProvide credit ratings and risk analysis for banks

Result: SHGs get better rates for better performanceResult: SHGs get better rates for better performance

Can we design a system for SHGs to aggregate data?Can we design a system for SHGs to aggregate data?

Accessible to usersAccessible to users Accurate and efficientAccurate and efficient

Intermittent power, connectivityIntermittent power, connectivity

Generalizes to other applicationsGeneralizes to other applications

Information can be the Bridge8

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Investigate interface design space for rural usersInvestigate interface design space for rural users SHG members and supporting staffSHG members and supporting staff

Some may be semi-literate or illiterateSome may be semi-literate or illiterate

Use SHG data collection as sample applicationUse SHG data collection as sample application

Only previous work was Grisedale et al., CHI 1997Only previous work was Grisedale et al., CHI 1997 Data collection for rural health care workers in RajasthanData collection for rural health care workers in Rajasthan

Using Apple NewtonUsing Apple Newton

We used laptop / PC for maximum flexibilityWe used laptop / PC for maximum flexibility Not considering real deployment issuesNot considering real deployment issues

Design for Rural Users9

l d


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contextual study


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t t t ti


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prototype testing

d i it ti


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design iteration


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D i G id li f R l U15


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Two-month iterative design study conducted in a villageTwo-month iterative design study conducted in a village

32 rural users - farm laborers (10 semi or illiterate)32 rural users - farm laborers (10 semi or illiterate)

Paper formats are importantPaper formats are important

Local language audio builds trustLocal language audio builds trust

Numeric input/output is accessibleNumeric input/output is accessible

Guide the user through the taskGuide the user through the task

Realistic icons are betterRealistic icons are better

Design Guidelines for Rural UsersParikh et al. - ACM CHI 2003, ACM CUU 2003 (Best Paper)

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Step 2: Build

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1) A t R l S i P id17


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Agent Model: Provide services through local intermediariesAgent Model: Provide services through local intermediaries

Employ underemployed youth and womenEmploy underemployed youth and women

Convenient for users / clients (travel is hard!)Convenient for users / clients (travel is hard!)

Common motif for many servicesCommon motif for many services

Primary health carePrimary health care

Retail supply chainsRetail supply chains

AgricultureAgriculture Communications, etc.Communications, etc.

In microfinance, {bank, NGO} field staff collect info,In microfinance, {bank, NGO} field staff collect info,repayments & deliver reportsrepayments & deliver reports

1) Agents - Rural Service Providers17

Villages Agents Services


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3) P U I t f19


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Leverage affordances of paper in digital UIsLeverage affordances of paper in digital UIs

XAX, Digital Desk, A-Book, Paper PDA, Cooltown, BooksXAX, Digital Desk, A-Book, Paper PDA, Cooltown, Bookswith Voices, etc.with Voices, etc.

However, thus far these approaches have had limited impactHowever, thus far these approaches have had limited impact

Rural developing world could be the killer applicationRural developing world could be the killer application

Familiarity with paper formatsFamiliarity with paper formats

Offset high technology cost by performing someOffset high technology cost by performing someoperations on paper clientoperations on paper client

3) Paper User Interfaces19

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CAM: Application Toolkit for Mobile Phones

CAMBrowsermobile phone appto process forms

CAMFormsinteractive paper forms

CAMScriptscripting languagefor form interaction

CAMBrowsermobile phone appto process forms

d = input_date(Date, date.wav);i = input_int(Interest, int.wav);

p = input_int(Principal, pri.wav);if (d & p & i)http_put(...);

Parikh et al. - IEEE Pervasive 2005, WWW 2006

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23/50Barcode DetectionBarcode Detection -- RohsRohs20042004


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CAM: Key Features26


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date = input_date(Enter Date date.wav);amt = input_int(Enter Amount, amount.wav);

message_note(Say your name,sayname.wav);record_audio(name.wav);email([email protected], a=#amt, name.wav);

CAM: Key Features

Tight linkage to paper practicesTight linkage to paper practices

Retain paper as the authoritative local recordRetain paper as the authoritative local record

Avoid abstract, menu-driven interactionAvoid abstract, menu-driven interaction Not optimizing for local labor don't need OCR!Not optimizing for local labor don't need OCR!

Simple, scripted programming modelSimple, scripted programming model

Easy to program and useEasy to program and use

Multimedia Input & OutputMultimedia Input & Output Capture audio and images instead of textCapture audio and images instead of text

Disconnected OperationDisconnected Operation

Transfer data using SMS, MMS, Email (and HTTP)Transfer data using SMS, MMS, Email (and HTTP)

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CAM: Dataflow in Microfinance 27


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CAM: Dataflow in Microfinance

Framework for SHG data collection and reportingFramework for SHG data collection and reporting

Increased transparency within SHGIncreased transparency within SHG

Improved documentation when applying for loansImproved documentation when applying for loans

Provide new services to members (e.g. flexible savings)Provide new services to members (e.g. flexible savings)

ekgaon.com


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Step 3: Evaluate

2006-7

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CAM: Usability Evaluation 30


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TaskTask: Record transactions during SHG meetings: Record transactions during SHG meetings

Users: 14 field agents from NGOUsers: 14 field agents from NGO 77thth grade to college educatedgrade to college educated

Simulated and in situ testingSimulated and in situ testing

ResultsResults:: Learnable: Learned within 1-3 sessionsLearnable: Learned within 1-3 sessions

Efficient: 30 secs per form, 8-10 mins per meetingEfficient: 30 secs per form, 8-10 mins per meeting

Accurate: Error rate < 1% (0% for in situ tests)Accurate: Error rate < 1% (0% for in situ tests)

Users performed significantly betterUsers performed significantly better with audiowith audio

CAM: Usability EvaluationParikh et al. - ACM CHI 2006

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CAM: Impact in Microfinance

Commercialized byCommercialized by ekgaon technologies pvt.ltdekgaon technologies pvt.ltd

2 NGOs / 17 agents / 700 SHGs / 10000 members2 NGOs / 17 agents / 700 SHGs / 10000 membersIn active use in Tamil Nadu since October 2006In active use in Tamil Nadu since October 2006

ekgaon.com

CAM: Beyond Microfinance 32


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Supply ChainSupply Chain Javid and ParikhJavid and Parikh -- ICTDICTD20062006

MonitorMonitor inventory at rural warehousesinventory at rural warehouses Track inflows and outflows of goodsTrack inflows and outflows of goods

Plan collection & distributionPlan collection & distribution

Health CareHealth Care Future WorkFuture Work CollectCollect disease datadisease data

MonitorMonitor incidence, transmissionincidence, transmission

Monitor treatment complianceMonitor treatment compliance

AgricultureAgriculture Schwartzman and ParikhSchwartzman and Parikh --MobEA 2006MobEA 2006

MonitorMonitor cultivation usingcultivation using pictures, audiopictures, audio

Agricultural extension and certificationAgricultural extension and certification

Integrated with various sensorsIntegrated with various sensors

CAM: Beyond Microfinance

CAM: Agricultural Monitoring 33


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Working with farmers in Guatemala and IndiaWorking with farmers in Guatemala and India

Extension staff cExtension staff collect geocoded video, images and dataollect geocoded video, images and dataExperts provide feedback and advice via parcel-wise blogExperts provide feedback and advice via parcel-wise blog

Enable remote certification organic, bird-friendly, etc.Enable remote certification organic, bird-friendly, etc.

TraceabilityTraceability Product DifferentiationProduct Differentiation

Land UseLand Use

CAM: Agricultural Monitoring

Understand, Build, Evaluate


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Understand, Build, Evaluate

Yael

Future Work: Support Local Creators 35


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Empower local peopleEmpower local peopleto build their ownto build their ownsolutionssolutions

Physical tools forPhysical tools forcontent creation andcontent creation and

applicationapplicationdevelopmentdevelopment

Paper formats,Paper formats,

visual and tangiblevisual and tangible

programmingprogramming

Future Work: Support Local Creators

Future Work: Trust & Ownership 36


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Future Work: Trust & Ownership

Rural users may never ownRural users may never own technologytechnology

How do different identification technologies, interactionHow do different identification technologies, interactionmediums and social contexts impact trust in computing?mediums and social contexts impact trust in computing?

Can we facilitate distant personal / business relationships?Can we facilitate distant personal / business relationships?

ICTD: An Emerging Area 37


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TIER Group, UC BerkeleyTIER Group, UC Berkeley

Long-distance wireless, DTNLong-distance wireless, DTN

Mobile educational softwareMobile educational software

Digital Studyhall, Princeton / UW / MSRDigital Studyhall, Princeton / UW / MSR

Video for educationVideo for education

Postmanet physical networkingPostmanet physical networkingEmerging Markets, MSR IndiaEmerging Markets, MSR India

Design for semi-literate usersDesign for semi-literate users

Multiple mice for educationMultiple mice for education

One Laptop Per Child (OLPC)One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) Laptops for educationLaptops for education

Other EffortsOther Efforts

MSR funded 17/162 proposalsMSR funded 17/162 proposals

ICTD: An Emerging Area

Contributions38


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Contributions

Design Lessons for Rural UsersDesign Lessons for Rural Users

importance of paperimportance of paper

local language audiolocal language audio

numeric i/onumeric i/o

CAM ToolkitCAM Toolkit

paper user interfacepaper user interface

multimedia i/omultimedia i/o

scripted & asynchronousscripted & asynchronous

CAM EvaluationCAM Evaluation

usabilityusability

generalizabilitygeneralizability

real-world impactreal-world impact

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Understand Context

Build Solutions

Evaluate Results

ACM CUU 2003ACM CUU 2003

ICTDICTD20062006

IEEE PervasiveIEEE Pervasive

WWW 2006WWW 2006

IEEE PervasiveIEEE Pervasive

MobEA 2006MobEA 2006

ACM CHI 2006ACM CHI 2006

ICTD 2006ICTD 2006

Long-term Vision


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Long-term Vision

Equitable Economic Development

Environmental Sustainability

Freedom & Political Stability

Information Technology

Decentralization

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Final ThoughtsFinal Thoughts

ICTD: an emerging research areaICTD: an emerging research area

Design for real people & problemsDesign for real people & problems

Attracts diverse & energetic studentsAttracts diverse & energetic students

Impact sustains credibility & collaborationImpact sustains credibility & collaboration

Thanks for all the Fish42


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Anil Gupta, Vijay Pratap Singh Aditya, Jaimin, Bhavin,Anil Gupta, Vijay Pratap Singh Aditya, Jaimin, Bhavin,Rushabh, Nilesh, Bharat, Kinjal, Kaushik Ghosh, ApalaRushabh, Nilesh, Bharat, Kinjal, Kaushik Ghosh, ApalaChavan, Sarit Arora, Puneet Syal, K. Sasikumar, Paul Javid,Chavan, Sarit Arora, Puneet Syal, K. Sasikumar, Paul Javid, Yael Schwartzman, S. Olaganathan, John, Bala, Swami, Yael Schwartzman, S. Olaganathan, John, Bala, Swami,Muthu Velayutham, Edward Lazowska, David Notkin, JameMuthu Velayutham, Edward Lazowska, David Notkin, JamesLanday, Gaetano Borriello, Richard Anderson, Ken Fishkin,Landay, Gaetano Borriello, Richard Anderson, Ken Fishkin,Scott Klemmer, Kentaro Toyama, Eric Brewer, Greg Wolff,Scott Klemmer, Kentaro Toyama, Eric Brewer, Greg Wolff,Batya Friedman, SRISTI, IIM-A, CCD, Mahakalasm, SEWA,Batya Friedman, SRISTI, IIM-A, CCD, Mahakalasm, SEWA,

Asobagri, Jataan, HLFPPT, Media Lab Asia, HFI, UW CSE,Asobagri, Jataan, HLFPPT, Media Lab Asia, HFI, UW CSE,VSD Lab, UW MLC, Intel, MSR India, Ricoh Innovations,VSD Lab, UW MLC, Intel, MSR India, Ricoh Innovations,David Bonderman, SEEP, IDRC, ekgaon and everyone elseDavid Bonderman, SEEP, IDRC, ekgaon and everyone elseI've had the pleasure to work with.I've had the pleasure to work with.

Thanks for all the Fish


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Knownet Grin45


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Honey Bee sharesHoney Bee shares grassroots knowledge and innovationgrassroots knowledge and innovation

Publishes 7 regional magazines about agriculturalPublishes 7 regional magazines about agriculturalpractices and other innovationspractices and other innovations

Interested in new ways to share content and facilitateInterested in new ways to share content and facilitate

communicationcommunication

Developed multi-media distributed database andDeveloped multi-media distributed database and

communications applicationcommunications application Networked using asynchronous CD-based updatesNetworked using asynchronous CD-based updates

Implemented at kiosks in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh,Implemented at kiosks in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh,

Maharashtra and Tamil NaduMaharashtra and Tamil Nadu

Knownet-GrinKnowledge Network for Grassroot Innovators: AHoney Bee Project

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ekgaon technologiesekgaon was founded in 2002 and works in providing technical,managerial and strategic support to community-led initiatives

around India and the world. Currently we are based inNew Delhi with a field office in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

http://www.ekgaon.com

Other Partners and SupportersCovenant Centre for DevelopmentCovenant Centre for Development

Mahakalasm SHG FederationsMahakalasm SHG FederationsCARE IndiaCARE India

Deutsche Gesellschaft for Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ)Deutsche Gesellschaft for Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ)Small Enterprise Education and Promotion Network (SEEP)Small Enterprise Education and Promotion Network (SEEP)

International Development Research Centre (IDRC)International Development Research Centre (IDRC)Sarai New Media InitiativeSarai New Media Initiative

Ricoh InnovationsRicoh InnovationsMicrosoft ResearchMicrosoft Research

Intel Education ProgramIntel Education Program

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E-Z Rural Computing

Easy to Use: Max outreach

Easy to Teach: Word of mouth

Easy to Access: Travel is hard

Easy to Share: Amortize high costs

Easy to Create: Local ownership

Easy to Adapt: Localization essential

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OutlineOutline1 Background: Microfinance1 Background: Microfinance

2 Contextual Design for Rural Users2 Contextual Design for Rural Users

33 CAM: Data Collection for Mobile PhonesCAM: Data Collection for Mobile Phones

44 Evaluation: Usability, Breadth, ImpactEvaluation: Usability, Breadth, Impact

5 Future Work5 Future Work

6 Conclusions6 Conclusions

Problems with Mobile UIs 49


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User InterfaceUser Interface

Adapted point-and-click metaphorAdapted point-and-click metaphor

Text entry is difficult; limited use of other mediaText entry is difficult; limited use of other media

Mobile UIMobile UI research has largely focused on improving display ofresearch has largely focused on improving display ofweb content on small screensweb content on small screens

WEST, PowerBrowser, Wingman, Digestor, AppLens,WEST, PowerBrowser, Wingman, Digestor, AppLens,Summary Thumbnails, Collapse-to-zoom, etc.Summary Thumbnails, Collapse-to-zoom, etc.

Programming ModelProgramming Model

Proprietary APIs and programming environmentsProprietary APIs and programming environments

Web-based applications require online connectionWeb-based applications require online connection

Problems with Mobile UIs

paper prototyping


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Appropriate Computing

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